Leek Planting Guide
Mild, sweet allium with thick white stalks ideal for soups and roasting
Best Time and Place to Plant Leek
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Leek in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 75F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; hill soil up around stems to blanch
- Days to harvest: 120
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress every 4 weeks
- Blood Meal organic: 1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost organic: 2 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
Avoid Planting Near
- Beans
- Peas
Harvest Signs
- Shaft is at least 1 inch in diameter
- White blanched portion is 3-4 inches long
- Harvest before flower stalk emerges
- Can stay in ground through light frosts in fall
FAQs
When should I plant Leek?
Leek planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Leek?
The best time of year to plant Leek is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Leek?
Plant Leek in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Leek?
Plant Leek about 6 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Leek?
Leek is commonly paired with Carrots, Celery, Onions.